Blog — Page 34 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

See You in September: My Y Rewards Special Earnings Event

August 28, 2025

Fall is a season of change and now is the perfect time to rejuvenate your health and wellness routine with a little inspiration from the YMCA! Our special My Y Rewards September Earnings Event will help you build healthy habits and stay focused on achieving your fitness goals!

Greater Joliet Area YMCA Facility Members enrolled in the My Y Rewards program will receive 150 bonus rewards points if they check in at the Y at least 15 times in the month of September.

Learn how to enroll by clicking below.

ENROLL TODAY

Upon enrolling in the My Y Rewards Program, you’ll also earn points each time you check-in, take a class, or refer a friend to the Y. In fact, you’ll earn your first 50 points for simply enrolling in the program. You can then redeem your points for fun Y swag and program and membership credits.

If you should have any questions or any feedback on the My Y Rewards Program, please be sure to stop by the Membership Desk during your next visit or email [email protected].

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YMCA September Personal Training Sale

August 27, 2025

Whether you’re just starting your health and wellness journey, or looking to add a little variety to your exercise program, a YMCA personal trainer can help you to achieve your wellness goals. And now you can take your first step with the help of our September Personal Training Sale! Throughout the month if you buy four sessions, you get one free!*

Learn more about personal trainers at your local Y branch by clicking below.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Community YMCA

One-on-One Personal Training
Avery
Galowich
Morris

Group of Two Personal Training
Avery
Galowich
Morris

*Offer good September 1-30, 2025. Valid at any Greater Joliet Area YMCA location. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Visit your local branch for more details.

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Letting Kids Be Kids: Register for YMCA Days Out of School Today!

August 26, 2025

With the school year underway, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA is excited to remind families that registration is now open for YMCA Days Out of School programs!

YMCA Days Out of School (DOS) are offered at each of our full-facility branches for children when school is not in session. Whether it’s an Institute Day or Holiday Break, kids are invited to join the Y and students from all of our Kid Zone sites for a day of fun and adventure.

Children, grades K-8, may be signed in at the Y as early as 7 a.m. and signed out as late as 6 p.m. All participants should dress for the weather, bring a sack lunch, a drink, snacks, swimsuit and a towel. Advanced registration is required and space is limited. The registration deadline is 48 hours prior to the day of school. Financial assistance is available. CCR&R and DHS funds are also accepted.

Scroll down to learn more about the DOS program available at your local Y branch.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Serving: Plainfield School District 202
PROGRAM INFORMATION

Serving: Valley View School CUSD 365U
PROGRAM INFORMATION

To learn more, please contact:
Lori Barrie
[email protected]
(815) 267-8600, ext. 205

Galowich Family YMCA and Joliet Community YMCA

Serving: Joliet District 86 Elementary Schools, Rockdale District 84, Troy District 30C, and Laraway CCSD 70C
PROGRAM INFORMATION

To learn more, please contact:
Tori Dutkiewicz
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 307

Galowich Family YMCA and Joliet Community YMCA (Teen REACH)

Serving: Joliet District 86 Middle School Students Enrolled in the YMCA’s Teen REACH After School Program
PROGRAM INFORMATION

To learn more, please contact:
Darrell Collins
[email protected]
(815) 744-3939, ext. 361

Morris Hospital YMCA

Serving students in Morris School District 54 and Saratoga School District 60C
PROGRAM INFORMATION

To learn more, please contact:
Jordan Overton
[email protected]
(815) 513-8080, ext. 513

CANCELLATION GUIDELINES
Cancellations made less than 48 hours in advance of Day Out of School will be subject to the full program fee for each child registered. Members who are currently receiving financial assistance through the Y’s scholarship fund will be charged their agreed upon Day Out of School fee. Members who are currently receiving financial assistance through the State of Illinois’ Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) will be charged $25. Fees will also apply to students who are registered for Day Out of School, but do not attend.

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Meet the Joliet Community YMCA’s Before & After School Care Team: Tori Dutkiewicz and Alex Howard

August 26, 2025

The Joliet Community YMCA (JCY) is an innovative initiative that brings vital YMCA youth development, sports, and family programming to neighborhood locations throughout the greater Joliet community.

With offices located on the main campus of Joliet Junior College (JJC), the Joliet Community YMCA partners with area churches, local school districts, and other likeminded community organizations to provide year-round programs for Joliet residents of all ages. This initiative reaffirms the YMCA’s ongoing commitment to equity, access, and innovation in serving the community.

This week, we are highlighting the amazing staff members who bring JCY programs to life. Today we shine the spotlight on the amazing duo of Before & After Care Director Tori Dutkiewicz (pictured right) and Child Care Manager Alex Howard (pictured left). Tori and Alex head up our Kid Zone program, which serves students in Joliet District 86 Elementary Schools, Troy District 30C, Rockdale District 84, and Laraway CCSD 70C. Learn more about them in the Q&A below.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself? Where are you from and what is your background/experience with the Y?

Tori: I was born and raised in Joliet and attended Troy 30C schools, as well as Joliet West High School. I graduated from Benedictine University with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and a minor in education. I am currently working on completing my master’s degree in child and adolescent development psychology. Prior to joining the Y, I worked in the special education field for 12 years. I have been with the Y since 2023.

Alex: I am from right here in the Joliet area! My first career was in sales and brand management before shifting to be a stay at home mom. As my daughter got older, I wanted to have an impact on the lives of the youth in our community. I began my Y career working in Kid Zone and at summer day camps. I’m so excited to start my role as Child Care Manager and look forward to helping all the wonderful families at the Y and throughout the community!

Q: Why do you have a passion for youth development?

Tori: Knowing that I have a tiny part in the growth and development of children in our Kid Zone program encourages me to do what I do. I find joy in helping kids discover their passions, accomplish tasks they might find challenging, and create new friendships. I have extensive experience working in special education classrooms and consider myself an advocate for inclusion. I believe in providing a safe space for children to grow and thrive as they become leaders for future generations.

Alex: I know my childhood was deeply impacted by adults providing positive influences in my life. Now that I am a mother myself, I see the need for youth to have consistent and positive support from adults outside of their home and school environment. It’s important for people like counselors, instructors, and coaches to recognize and nourish the great potential of kids in our community.

Q: What stands out about the YMCA community?

Tori: There is nothing like the community here at the Y! I remember participating in swim programs at the Galowich Family YMCA as a kid, and the experience was fantastic! Now, on a day-to-day basis, I see how dedicated YMCA staff members are developing and maintaining programs for children and families. Everyone is genuinely friendly and willing to assist in any way they can. They put their heart and soul into everything they do. The way we keep our members and program participants at the forefront of our mission is another key way that Y programs stand out.

Alex: The YMCA really is like a family. From the employees to members, the relationships we create with each other are so meaningful and fulfilling, it makes coming to work a very positive environment.

Q: What excites you about upcoming JCY programs?

Tori: As a Joliet native, I am excited to be a part of the Joliet Community YMCA because I know the passion of our team will help Joliet and the surrounding communities grow. I am grateful for the partnerships we have with our local school districts and, as we continue to offer safe and fun before and after school programming, I look forward to enhancing our curriculum to reflect the needs of the students we serve.

Alex: We are so excited to expand offerings for families thanks to our partnerships with the Salvation Army Joliet Junior College, and Messiah Lutheran Church! These youth programs and family events are a great addition to the Y, and we hope to see our Kid Zone students and families there!

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of the Y?

Tori: When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and dog. We love to travel and find new dog-friendly cities to explore. In my spare time, I also like to read and practice yoga.

Alex: My favorite thing to do is spend time with my daughter. I spend time gardening, although right now the garden doesn’t like me very much. I also enjoy going to motocross races and watching various ‘extreme’ sports.

We are so proud to have Tori and Alex leading the way for our before and after school team! To learn more about YMCA Kid Zone, click here.

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Meet Joliet Community YMCA Operations Director Brooke Hall

August 25, 2025

The Joliet Community YMCA (JCY) is an innovative initiative that brings vital YMCA youth development, sports, and family programming to neighborhood locations throughout the greater Joliet community.

This week, we are highlighting the amazing staff members who bring JCY programs to life, and we are so excited to start with Operations Director Brooke Hall!

Brooke has more than 13 years of career experience at the Y, having served in various roles across our sports, membership, and child care departments. Her passion for youth development has helped create positive spaces for families to grow and thrive, and you can learn more about her in the Q&A below.

Q: Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I grew up in a small town in Indiana and was blessed to receive an athletic scholarship to play basketball in college. I played at New Mexico State University and later at the University of West Florida, where I earned my bachelor’s degree in communications and advertising. Shortly after, I earned my teaching license in physical education and health, as well as a certificate in early childhood administration. I coached women’s basketball at the high school and collegiate levels for a few years and also worked in the corporate fitness industry. Eventually, I found my “home away from home” at the YMCA.

Q: What has your Y experience been like?

I didn’t know anything about the YMCA until my late 20’s. I was a struggling single mom when a friend suggested that I check out the Y because nobody is turned away due to the inability to pay. I applied for the Y scholarship program, became a member, and enrolled my son in preschool programs, swim lessons, and the youth basketball league. I loved the family-friendly atmosphere at the Y so much that I decided to apply for a job there – and I haven’t left since! Being a part of the Y has truly changed my life. It gave me a sense of purpose, a strong community, and the opportunity to grow both personally and professionally.

Q: Why do you have a passion for youth development?

My passion for youth development started with sports. Whether it was coaching basketball, or volunteering to help run camps and clinics, no matter what job I held, I always found myself drawn back to working with youth. I’m driven by the opportunity to be a positive influence during a child’s formative stages, and I find real purpose in helping young people discover their strengths, build confidence, and develop the skills they need to succeed.

Q: What excites you about upcoming JCY programs?

I’m proud to have an incredible leadership team that has thoughtfully planned a variety of exciting programs for our Joliet families! We’re thrilled to offer these programs at multiple locations throughout the city, making it more convenient for families to participate. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to meet families where they are and create more accessible, engaging experiences for everyone.

Q: What activities do you enjoy outside of the Y?

I enjoy spending time with my husband Warren and sons Donte (age 18) and Donovan (age 10). On the weekends, you will usually find me supporting my boys at sporting events, attending comedy shows, or hanging out and playing games with friends and family. My husband is a stand-up comedian and performs on cruise lines, so when I take a vacation, it is usually on a boat! Fall is my favorite season because of football, the beautiful colors of changing leaves and, of course, pumpkin and apple cider donuts!

We are so proud to have Brooke leading the JCY staff team! If you would like to learn more about JCY programs and initiatives, you can contact Brooke at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 316. To view JCY programs available this fall, check out our fall program guide.

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Try Something New: Ann Wright’s Y Story

August 22, 2025

When the Morris Hospital YMCA opened last December, it opened the door to new possibilities for those in the Morris community, including individuals like Y member, donor, and volunteer Ann Wright.

“My husband and I joined the Y at the old downtown location to support the cause, but never had the intent to go. Then we got really excited about the new Y, and when it opened we were on board from the get go,” Ann said.

With new spaces like an eight lane lap pool to explore, Ann came to find her go-to activities at the Y were water fitness classes, a passion now shared by many in the community.

“I do water fitness two or three times a week and every class seems to fill up. It’s incredible. There are classes in the morning and at night, and when I’m sitting in church on Sunday I can tell people are ready to hit that button and sign up for the Monday morning class,” she said.

Ann also noted being a Y member has helped her build stronger relationships with past acquaintances and forge new friendships along the way.

“I remember telling one woman about the evening water fitness class and we had a date night with our husbands,” Ann said. “Now they do about four or five classes a week. It’s a great example of being willing to think outside the box and try something new.”

Ann was able to expand her own horizons by participating in YMCA Fit4U. During the 4-week introductory program, which is free for Facility Members, Ann learned more about the machines in the Wellness Center and Y amenities that could help her get started with new exercises.

“I did (Fit4U) because I have never used gym equipment before. It really helped me feel comfortable in the fitness center. The staff were amazing and encouraging,” she said.

Ann said that the positive energy from staff and members alike makes each visit to the Y a rewarding experience.

“You don’t leave without feeling like you’re a happier person. And that goes along with already having done something positive for your health. The physical aspect is probably what people think of and why they want to go initially, but the positivity you get here is vital.”

We are so proud to have Ann in our Y community! Please know that your Y family will always be here to support you along your health and wellness journey!

As a reminder, Fall 1 session programming begins on Monday. You can view group fitness, lap pool, and gymnasium schedules by clicking here or by using the YMCA On the Go App. If you are interested in learning more about the YMCA’s Fit4U program, please click here.

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